Purification of 68Ge/68Ga Generator Eluate From Fe(III) Intended To Improve Specific Radioactivity Of 68Ga-based Radiopharmaceuticals

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method of purifying  68 Ge/ 68 Ga generator produced  68 Ga from Fe (III). The invention further relates to an automated system within an existing Gallea Synthia prototype that provides purification  68 Ga from various cations and preconcentrations of  68 Ga. In general, the present invention further depicts the use of an automated system for the production of  68 Ga-radiolabelled PET tracers with high specific radioactivity and a kit for purifying  68 Ge/ 68 Ga generator produced  68 Ga from Fe (III).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/745,715, filed Jun. 2, 2010, which is a filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of international application number PCT/US2008/085095, filed Dec. 1, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/991,852, filed Dec. 3, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of purifying ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator produced ⁶⁸Ga from Fe (III). The invention further relates to an automated system within an existing Gallea Synthia prototype that provides purification ⁶⁸Ga from various cations and preconcentrations of ⁶⁸Ga. The present invention further depicts the use of an automated system for the production of ⁶⁸Ga-radiolabelled PET tracers with high specific radioactivity and a kit for purifying ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator produced ⁶⁸Ga from Fe (III).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Positron-emitting ⁶⁸Ga (T_(1/2)=68 min) is of potential interest for clinical positron emission tomography (PET). It is a generator produced radionuclide, does not require cyclotron on site and thus easily available and relatively cheap. ⁶⁸Ga is a suitable radiometal for PET radiopharmaceutical production. However, such obstacles as the chemical form of ⁶⁸Ga after generator elution, the large elution volume and the contamination of other cations originating from the column material and ⁶⁸Ge breakthrough may have limited its use. Methods to surmount some of these drawbacks have been developed^(1,2) and might promote the wider use of ⁶⁸Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals. Macrocyclic bifunctional chelators can form stable complexes with radiometal cations and covalently bind to macromolecules. The fact that the same chelator can complex different cations makes it possible to use the same biologically active molecule for diagnosis and therapy, employing corresponding radiometals. ⁶⁸Ga has the potential for diagnosis, dosimetry, dose planning for chemo- and radiotherapy and follow up of response to chemo- and radiotherapy. These applications might require accurate quantification which is dependent on the specific radioactivity (SRA) of a tracer. This is especially important for the characterisation of high affinity binding sites, such as many peptide receptors. Another factor that necessitates the high SRA is the labelling of highly potent receptor agonists which can induce side effects. Cost of high molecular weight ligands might also be a factor to consider. A fast and reliable method for ⁶⁸Ga-labelling of various macromolecules with high SRA has been developed.¹⁻³ However, we showed later that the achievement of SRA values comparable to the receptor concentration was most probably hindered by the presents of Fe(III). The latter is a strong competitor to ⁶⁸Ga(III) in the complexation reaction with a chelator coupled to a peptide. The chemistry of Fe(III) and ⁶⁸Ga(III) is very similar. Iron is an abundant cation and can be found in glassware, SPE cartridges and chemicals. The removal of Fe(III) may improve the SRA and also omit any uncertainty over its role in the ⁶⁸Ga-labelling process. The purification method^(1,3) developed at Uppsala University/Uppsala Imanet AB does not eliminate Fe(III). The method might be further improved by, for example, introduction of Fe(III) reduction to Fe(II). The adsorption profile of [FeCl₄]⁻ is very similar to that of [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ from 0.1-6.0 M HCl. This makes it difficult to separate the two cations as the anion complex on the anion exchange resin. In contrast, Fe(II) is not adsorbed from 4.0 M HCl acid and would pass through the anion exchange resin without retention. The purification of the ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator eluate from Fe(III) might even further improve the SRA of ⁶⁸Ga-based tracers comprising macromolecular ligands as well as small organic molecules. Specially, it could have a significant impact when using peptide, oligonucleotide, PNA, LNA, antibody, glycoprotein, protein and other biological macromolecule based ligands. Thus it might become possible to produce highly potent macromolecular ⁶⁸Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals with high specific radioactivity and use them in humans without risk for pharmachological side effects. Moreover, ⁶⁸Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals with high specific radioactivity would allow accurate quantification of PET examinations. This in turn would provide accurate in vivo quantification of receptor density for dosimetry, planning and follow up of chemo- and radiotherapy.

There is therefore a need in the art for a more effective and efficient method for purifying ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator produced ⁶⁸Ga from Fe (III).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of purifying ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator produced ⁶⁸Ga from Fe (III). The invention further relates to an automated system within an existing Gallea Synthia prototype that provides purification ⁶⁸Ga from various cations and preconcentrations of ⁶⁸ Ga. The Gallea Synthia prototype is disclosed in patent publication number WO 02/102711. The present invention further depicts the use of an automated system for the production of ⁶⁸Ga-radiolabelled PET tracers with high specific radioactivity and a kit for purifying ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator produced ⁶⁸Ga from Fe (III).

One embodiment of the present invention depicts One embodiment of the present invention depicts a method of purifying ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator produced ⁶⁸Ga from Fe(III) wherein a high specific radioactivity of ⁶⁸Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals, comprises of a bifunctional chelating agent and a vector selected from the group consisting of proteins, glycoproteins, lipoproteins, polypeptides, glycopolypeptides, lipopolypeptides, peptides, glycopeptides, lipopeptides, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, oligonucleotides, antibodies or a part, a fragment, a derivative or a complex of the aforesaid compounds and small organic molecules, is obtained.

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generators are known in the art, see for instance C. Loc'h et al, J. Nucl. Med. 21, 1980, 171-173 or J. Schuhmacher et al. Int. J. appl. Radiat. Isotopes 32, 1981, 31-36. ⁶⁸Ge may be obtained by cyclotron production by irradiation of, for instance Ga₂(SO₄)₃ with 20 MeV protons. It is also commercially available, e.g. as ⁶⁸Ge in 0.5 M HCl. Generally, ⁶⁸Ge is loaded onto a column consisting of organic resin or an inorganic metal oxide like tin dioxide, aluminium dioxide or titanium dioxide. ⁶⁸Ga is eluted from the column with aqueous HCl yielding ⁶⁸GaCl₃. Thus, ⁶⁸Ga is in the form of ⁶⁸Ga³⁺, which could be used in the synthesis of ⁶⁸Ga-radiolabelled complexes, e.g. for the production of ⁶⁸Ga-radiolabelled PET tracers.

Suitable columns for ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generators consist of inorganic oxides like aluminium dioxide, titanium dioxide or tin dioxide or organic resins like resins comprising phenolic hydroxyl groups (U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,468) or pyrogallol (J. Schuhmacher et al., Int. J. appl. Radiat. Isotopes 32, 1981, 31-36). In a preferred embodiment, a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator comprising a column comprising titanium dioxide is used in the method according to the invention.

The concentration of the aqueous HCl used to elute ⁶⁸Ga from the ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator column depends on the column material. Suitably 0.05 to 5 M HCl is used for the elution of ⁶⁸Ga. In a preferred embodiment, the eluate is obtained from a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator comprising a column comprising titanium dioxide and ⁶⁸Ga is eluted using 0.05 to 0.1 M HCl, preferably about 0.1 M HCl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Iron is an abundant cation and the chemistry of Fe(III) and ⁶⁸Ga(III) is similar. Our study demonstrated that the Fe(III) was a strong competitor to ⁶⁸Ga(III) in the complexation reaction with DOTA coupled to a peptide. In addition, the ⁶⁸Ga generator eluate was analyzed for the content of trace metals by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP—AES) using a Spectroflame P instrument (Spectro, Germany) and it was shown that the amount of Fe(III) exceeded that of ⁶⁸Ga 200-2000 times dependent on the age of the generator and the amount of ⁶⁸Ga available. Thus the purification of the generator eluate with regard to Fe(III) is the prior requirement for obtaining ⁶⁸Ga radiopharmaceuticals with high specific radioactivity.

The adsorption profile of [FeCl₄]⁻ is very similar as for [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ from 0.1-6.0 M HCl. This makes it impossible to separate these two cations on the anion exchange resin of the type we have been utilizing in our previous studies covered in the patents.^(1, 2) In contrast, Fe(II) is not adsorbed from 4.0 M HCl acid and thus goes through the anion exchange resin without retention.⁴⁻⁶ Thus the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) can be a possible means to purify the generator eluate from the Fe(III) and improve the specific radioactivity further. The reduction can be accomplished either in situ during the labeling step or prior to the labeling on the preconcentration/purification step. The former way might cause complications since the reductant should not affect the peptide stability or the ⁶⁸Ga incorporation. Thus the selective reduction of the Fe(III) and elimination of Fe(II) prior to the labeling synthesis without perturbing the ⁶⁸Ga (III) is more preferable. Below are several ways to accomplish the task. The solutions now considered will be adoptable to automation within the existing Gallea Synthia prototype.

One embodiment of the present invention depicts a method of purifying ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator produced ⁶⁸Ga from Fe(III) wherein a high specific radioactivity of ⁶⁸Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals, comprises of a bifunctional chelating agent and a vector selected from the group consisting of proteins, glycoproteins, lipoproteins, polypeptides, glycopolypeptides, lipopolypeptides, peptides, glycopeptides, lipopeptides, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, oligonucleotides, antibodies or a part, a fragment, a derivative or a complex of the aforesaid compounds and small organic molecules, is obtained.

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generators are known in the art, see for instance C. Loc'h et al, J. Nucl. Med. 21, 1980, 171-173 or J. Schuhmacher et al. Int. J. appl. Radiat. Isotopes 32, 1981, 31-36. ⁶⁸Ge may be obtained by cyclotron production by irradiation of, for instance Ga₂(SO₄)₃ with 20 MeV protons. It is also commercially available, e.g. as ⁶⁸Ge in 0.5 M HCl. Generally, ⁶⁸Ge is loaded onto a column consisting of organic resin or an inorganic metal oxide like tin dioxide, aluminium dioxide or titanium dioxide. ⁶⁸Ga is eluted from the column with aqueous HCl yielding ⁶⁸GaCl₃. Thus, ⁶⁸Ga is in the form of ⁶⁸Ga³⁺, which could be used in the synthesis of ⁶⁸Ga-radiolabelled complexes, e.g. for the production of ⁶⁸Ga-radiolabelled PET tracers.

Suitable columns for ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generators consist of inorganic oxides like aluminium dioxide, titanium dioxide or tin dioxide or organic resins like resins comprising phenolic hydroxyl groups (U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,468) or pyrogallol (J. Schuhmacher et al., Int. J. appl. Radiat. Isotopes 32, 1981, 31-36). In a preferred embodiment, a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator comprising a column comprising titanium dioxide is used in the method according to the invention.

The concentration of the aqueous HCl used to elute ⁶⁸Ga from the ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator column depends on the column material. Suitably 0.05 to 5 M HCl is used for the elution of ⁶⁸Ga. In a preferred embodiment, the eluate is obtained from a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator comprising a column comprising titanium dioxide and ⁶⁸Ga is eluted using 0.05 to 0.1 M HCl, preferably about 0.1 M HCl.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention shows a highly potent macromolecular ⁶⁸Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals that have high specific radioactivity that are produced from a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator thus allowing the use in humans without pharmacological side effects.

Still another embodiment of the present invention shows a method of obtaining ⁶⁸Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals that have high specific radioactivity are produced from a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator thus allowing accurate quantification of PET examinations.

Another embodiment of the present invention shows a method wherein ⁶⁸Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals with high specific radioactivity are produced from a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator thus allowing accurate in vivo quantification of receptor density for dosimetry, planning and follow up of chemo- and radiotherapy.

Still another embodiment of the present invention shows an automated system within an existing Gallea Synthia prototype for providing purification of ⁶⁸Ga from Fe(III), Al(III), In(III), Ti(III), Ti(IV), Ni(II), Cu(I), Cu(II), Ge(IV), Pb(II) cations and preconcentrations of ⁶⁸Ga. Please see publication number WO 02/102711 for a description of the Gallea Synthia prototype system.

A further embodiment of the present invention shows the use of an automated system with the aid of a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator or an automated system within an existing Gallea Synthia prototype for the production of ⁶⁸Ga-radiolabelled PET tracers with high specific radioactivity.

Yet another embodiment shows a kit for purifying a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator produced ⁶⁸Ga from Fe (III) by an automated system with the aid of a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator or an automated system within an existing Gallea Synthia prototype.

The reduction of Fe(III) in solution with subsequent preconcentration and purification of ⁶⁸Ga is as follows:

The acidification (4 M HCl) of the generator eluate is conducted in the presence of reducing agents such as Sn(II), Cu, Zn, Al, Ti(III) or organic hydrazine.⁷⁻⁹ Fe(III) is reduced to Fe(II) and does not behave as tetra-chloro anion and does not retain on the anion exchange column (Chromafix, Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel, Germany). In particular, the ferric ions are reduced to ferrous ions and the stannous ion (Sn²⁺) is converted to stannic ion (Sn⁴⁺). In the overall reaction, the stannous ion is the reducing agent, and therefore the substance oxidized, while pertechnetate is the oxidizing agent and therefore the substance reduced.

Sn²⁺+Fe³⁺→Sn⁴⁺+Fe²⁺

Then the eluate solution is passed through the Chromafix anion exchanger to retain [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ and let through Fe(II).

Other inorganic reducing agents that can be used are zinc, copper or aluminium. For example, in the case of copper the overall reaction is as follows:

Cu(s)+2Fe³⁺(aq)→Cu²⁺(aq)+2Fe²⁺(aq)

Then the eluate solution is passed through the Chromafix anion exchanger to retain [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ and let through Fe(II) as well as Cu(II).

Organic hydrazine is a convenient reductant because the by-products are typically nitrogen gas and water.

N₂H₄+Fe³⁺→N₂+H₂O+Fe²⁺

Then the eluate solution is passed through the anion exchanger to retain [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ and let through Fe(II).

The reduction of Fe(III) on resins bearing redox groups with subsequent preconcentration and purification of ⁶⁸Ga is as follows:

Reduction of Fe(III) can be performed using resins bearing redox groups such as hydroquinone, pyrocatechin, pyrogallol, borohydride, cyanoborohydride, triphenylphosphine oxide or sulfur trioxide pyridine (FIG. 1).¹⁰⁻²⁰ Such redox polymers can be prepared from chloromethylated polymers and the low-molecular organic redox systems.

Phenolic substances are an important source of reductant capacity in aquatic solutions. For example, the oxidation of hydroquinone by Fe(III) is depicted in FIG. 2.

Borohydrates supported on ion exchange resin are valuable reducing reagents as well (FIG. 3).

The use of functionalised resins is very convenient because of the easy work up and product purification. In addition it provides for recovery and regeneration of the supported reagent. Column packed with redox resin can be connected subsequently with the anion exchange column in order to preconcentrate and further purify ⁶⁸Ga. The reduced Fe(II) is not adsorbed from 4.0 M HCl acid and thus goes through the Chromafix anion exchange resin without retention.

A separation of ⁶⁸Ga(III) from Fe(III) on cationic and anionic exchange resins is presented as follows:

Cationic and anionic exchange separation utilizing the difference in distribution coeffitients for iron and gallium are considered as well.²¹⁻²⁷ Both organic (Dowex, Amberlite type) and inorganic (titanium tungstate) ion exchangers are packed on a column to simplify the purification. Various eluents are used for selective elution and purification. In addition Fe(III) is reduced to Fe(II) before loading on a cation exchange resin. For this purpose NaI is used as a reducing agent.²⁸ The consequent selective elution with respective eluents may separate ⁶⁸Ga(III) from Fe(III).

FeCl₃+NaI→FeCl₂+NaCl+I₂

Alternatively, a conventional ion exchanger can be loaded with an ion that can be oxidized by Fe(III). The cation and anion exchangers comprising such ions as Sn(II) and SO₃ could respectively be used. In this case, an emission of this extra ion in the solution (in both reduced and oxidized states) can be inevitable. But the next step of the purification of the anion exchange resin from 4 M HCl would clean the eluate from this extra cation.

A purification of ⁶⁸Ga from Fe(III) using electroactive conductive polymers is as follows:

A very attractive possibility is electrochemically controlled binding of Fe(III) provided by electroactive, conductive polymers such as polypyrrole, polyaniline and their derivatives (FIG. 4).^(29, 30) Thus, Fe(III) is selectively fixed by applying a specific potential value supplied by redox active polypyrrole resins while non-retained ⁶⁸Ga(III) flows through the column This is possible due to the fact that Fe(III) is easier reduced than ⁶⁸Ga(III) with the respective standard reduction potential values of 0.77 and −0.56. A potentiostat/galvanostat is used in the electronic cell in order to control the potential of the working electrode at a constant level with respect to the reference electrode. The control of the pH of the solution is very important to keep the electroctivity of the polypyrrole resin and can be regulated by NaOH.

A purification of ⁶⁸Ga from Fe(III) by precipitation and subsequent preconcentration of ⁶⁸Ga is as follows:

Separation of ⁶⁸Ga(III) from Fe(III) can also be achieved by precipitation of iron trihydroxide from basic solution (pH>9.0) in which ⁶⁸Ga(III) forms ⁶⁸Ga(OH)₄ ⁻ and stays in the solution.³¹⁻³³ The precipitation can be achieved by adding NaOH, KOH (1.5N) or NH4OH. Then a few drops of Al₂(SO₄)₃ is added to precipitate Fe₂O₃.

FeCl₃+NaOH→Fe(OH)₃+NaCl

Fe(OH)₃+Al₂(SO₄)₃→Fe₂O₃+Al(OH)₃

Then the solution can be filtered and the filtrate used for the subsequent preconcentration of ⁶⁸Ga on anion exchange column

The proposed approaches (A-E) purify ⁶⁸Ga from Fe(III). In addition, the subsequent use of the Chromafix anion exchange column provides the purification of ⁶⁸Ga from Al(III), In(III), Ti(III), Ti(IV), Ni(II), Cu(I), Cu(II), Ge(IV), Pb(II) as well. The content of metal ions is assessed by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP—AES) using a Spectroflame P instrument (Spectro, Germany).

EXAMPLES

The invention is further described in the following examples which is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Experimental Studies

A. Reduction of Fe(III) in Solution with Subsequent Preconcentration and purification of ⁶⁸Ga

Example 1 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using Reduction of Fe(III) with Stannous Ion and the Subsequent Anion Exchange Separation

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution and acidified with 5 mL of 30% HCl. Then SnCl₂ (solid) is added to reduce Fe(III) to Fe(II). Then the solution is passed through an anion exchange column (Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel (Germany)) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. In HCl solution gallium forms strong anionic complexes with Cl and the corresponding [⁶⁸GaCl₆]³⁻ and [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ complexes are strongly adsorbed on the mentioned anion exchange resin from HCl concentrations >3 M, while Fe(II) passing through the resin without retention. Then ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min

Example 2 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using Reduction of Fe(III) with Solid Copper and the Subsequent Anion Exchange Separation

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution and acidified with 5 mL of 30% HCl. Then Cu (solid) is added to reduce Fe(III) to Fe(II). Then the solution is passed through an anion exchange column (Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel (Germany)) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. In HCl solution gallium forms strong anionic complexes with Cl⁻ and the corresponding [⁶⁸GaCl₆]³⁻ and [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ complexes are strongly adsorbed on the Chromafix anion exchange resin from HCl concentrations >3 M, while Fe(II) passing through the resin without retention. Then ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl ) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min

Example 3 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using Reduction of Fe(III) with Hydrazine and the Subsequent Anion Exchange Separation

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution and acidified with 5 mL of 30% HCl. Then hydrazine is added to reduce Fe(III) to Fe(II). Then the solution is passed through an anion exchange column (Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel (Germany)) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. In HCl solution gallium forms strong anionic complexes with Cl⁻ and the corresponding [⁶⁸GaCl₆ ]³⁻ and [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ complexes are strongly adsorbed on the mentioned anion exchange resin from HCl concentrations >3 M, while Fe(II) passing through the resin without retention. Then ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min

B. Reduction of Fe(III) on Resins Bearing Redox Groups with Subsequent preconcentration and Purification of ⁶⁸Ga

Example 4 Reduction of Fe(III) on a Column Packed with Borohydride Functionalized Resin and Subsequent Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using Anion Exchange Separation

The borohydride functionalized resin (Amberlyst IRA-400) is suspended in deionized water and loaded on a small plastic column. The latter is plugged with glass wool or polyethylene filter elements before packing with the wet resin. The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution and the eluate is loaded on the column After 10 minute incubation, the analytes are eluted with strong HCl acid and passed though the subsequently connected anion exchange column (Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel (Germany)) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. In HCl solution gallium forms strong anionic complexes with Cl⁻ and the corresponding [⁶⁸GaCl₆]³⁻ and [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ complexes are strongly adsorbed on the mentioned anion exchange resin from HCl concentrations >3 M, while Fe(III) reduced to Fe(II) passing through the resin without retention. Thereafter ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min

Example 5 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using Redox Active Hydroquinone Functionalized Polyacrylic Acid Polymer

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution and loaded on a column packed with hydroquinone-bearing polyacrylic acid polymer. After 10 minute incubation, the analytes are eluted with strong HCl acid and passed though the subsequently connected anion exchange column (Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel (Germany)) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. In HCl solution gallium forms strong anionic complexes with Cl⁻ and the corresponding [⁶⁸GaCl₆]³⁻ and [⁶⁸ GaCl₄]⁻ complexes are strongly adsorbed on the mentioned anion exchange resin from HCl concentrations >3 M, while Fe(III) reduced to Fe(II) passing through the resin without retention. Thereafter ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min

Example 6 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using Redox Active Hydroquinone Functionalized Divinylbenzene Polymer

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution and loaded on a column packed with hydroquinone-bearing divinylbenzene polymer. After 10 minute incubation, the analytes are eluted with strong HCl acid and passed though the subsequently connected an anion exchange column (Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel (Germany)) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. In HCl solution gallium forms strong anionic complexes with Cl⁻ and the corresponding [⁶⁸GaCl₆]³⁻ and [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ complexes are strongly adsorbed on the mentioned anion exchange resin from HCl concentrations >3 M, while Fe(III) reduced to Fe(II) passing through the resin without retention. Thereafter, ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min.

C. Separation of ⁶⁸Ga(III) from Fe(III) on Cationic and Anionic Exchange Resins

Example 7 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using an Anion Exchange Separation

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution. 5 mL of 30% HCl is added to the 6 mL of the generator eluate giving finally a HCl concentration of 4.0 M. The resulting 11 mL solution in total is passed through an anion exchange column (Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel (Germany)) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. Then Fe(III) is eluted with 1 mL of NH₄Cl. Afterwards the ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl ) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min.

Example 8 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using an Anion Exchange Separation of the Malonic Complexes

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution and the eluate is mixed with malonic acids with pH adjusted to 4.3 and the solution is then sorbed on the Dowex-21K. First, Fe(III) is eluted with 1 mL of NH₄Cl. Afterwards the ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with 1 M HCl at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min.

Example 9 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using an Anion Exchange Separation of the Thiocyanate Complexes

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution and the eluate is then loaded on the Amberlite IRA-400 with SCN⁻ as a counter ion to form thiocyanate complexes. First, Fe(III) is eluted with 1 mL of 0.1 N HCl. Afterwards the ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with 5 mL 1 M HCl at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min, acidified with 6 mL of 30% HCl and is passed through an anion exchange column (Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel (Germany)) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. Then ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min.

Example 10 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using Reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and a Cation Exchange Separation

The cation exchange resin (Dowex 50W) is suspended in 1 M HCl for 1 h, washed several times with deionized water, suspended in 1 M NH₃ for 10 min, washed with water and resuspended in 1 M HCl. After this procedure the resin is centrifuged and kept under 5M HCl for the further use. Small plastic tubes are used as small columns. They are plugged with glass wool or polyethylene filter elements and packed with the wet resin. Just before use the packed columns are conditioned and activated washing successively with 5 M HCl, 1 M HCl, H₂O and again 5 M HCl. The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution. To the eluate 1% of NaI is added in order to reduce Fe(III) to Fe(II). The solution is loaded on the column filled with cation exchange resin. The column is washed with 4M HCl acid and then ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min.

Example 11 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using Reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and a Cation Exchange Separation (Dowex-50)

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution. Then SnCl₂ (solid) is added to reduce Fe(III) to Fe(II). Then the solution is passed through a cation exchange column (Dowex-50) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. Fe(II) went through while ⁶⁸Ga(III) is retained. Afterwards, the column is washed with 0.1 M HCl and ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of 1 M HCl (50-200 μl) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min.

D. Purification of ⁶⁸Ga from Fe(III) Using Electroactive Conductive Polymers

Example 12 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using a Column Packed with Redox Active Polypyrrole Resins

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution and the eluate is added to the bath containing polypyrrole conducting polymer coated on titanium dioxide or on a polyurethane core. Fe(III) is fixed on the polymer by adjusting the potential. After the fixation of Fe(III) is complete the pure ⁶⁸Ga(III) is filtered, acidified with 6 mL of 30% HCl and passed through an anion exchange column (Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel (Germany)) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. Then ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min.

E. Purification of ⁶⁸Ga from Fe(III) by Precipitation and Subsequent Purification and Preconcentration of ⁶⁸Ga

Example 13 Purification of ⁶⁸Ga (III) from Fe(III) Using Precipitation and the Subsequent Anion Exchange Separation

The ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga-generator is eluted with 6 mL 0.1 M HCl solution. Then NaOH (solid) is added to precipitate Fe(III) hydroxide from the basic solution (pH>9.0) while keeping ⁶⁸Ga(OH)₄ ⁻ in the solution. Then a few drops of Al₂(SO₄)₃ are added to precipitate Fe₂O₃. Then the solution is filtered, acidified with 6 mL of 30% HCl and passed through an anion exchange column (Chromafix 30-PS-HCO₃, Macharey-Nagel (Germany)) at a flow rate of 4 mL/min (linear flow speed 25 cm/min) at room temperature. Then ⁶⁸Ga is eluted with small fractions of deionized water (50-200 μl) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS, CITATION OF REFERENCES

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the inventions in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying figures. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Various publications and patent applications are cited herein, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of purifying ⁶⁸Ga from Fe(III) in a ⁶⁸Ga generator eluate which comprises: (i) eluting a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator column with 0.05-0.1 M aqueous hydrochloric acid to give an eluate containing ⁶⁸Ga and Fe(III); (ii) treatment of the eluate solution from step (i) to: (a) reduce the Fe(III) therein to Fe(II); (b) acidify with 30% w/v hydrochloric acid to give [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ in the eluate solution; wherein steps (a) and (b) may optionally be carried out concurrently; (iii) passing the reduced eluate solution from step (ii) through an anion exchange column comprising HCO₃ ⁻ counterions, wherein the [⁶⁸GaCl₄]⁻ is retained on the anion exchange column and the Fe(II) passes through the anion exchange column without retention; and (iv) passing deionized water through the anion exchange column from step (iii) to elute purified ⁶⁸Ga, having Fe(II) and Fe(III) removed therefrom and wherein the purified ⁶⁸Ga has a purity that is suitable for use in chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
 2. The method of claim 1, where the reduction of step (ii) is carried out by acidification of the eluate solution with said hydrochloric acid in the presence of a reducing agent which comprises Sn(II), Cu, Zn, Al, or Ti(III).
 3. The method of claim 1, where the reduction of step (ii) is carried out using either: (a) a borohydride functionalized resin; (b) a redox active hydroquinone functionalized polyacryclic acid polymer; or (c) a redox active hydroquinone functionalized divinylbenzene polymer.
 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising converting the purified ⁶⁸Ga to a ⁶⁸Ga-based radiopharmaceutical.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said method is performed on an automated system. 